20 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipes
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones and, of course, indulging in delicious food. While the turkey often steals the show, the side dishes are what truly complete the feast. If you're looking to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. Here are 20 easy Thanksgiving side dish recipes that are both simple to make and incredibly tasty!
Introduction
Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just about the turkey. A good side dish can elevate your meal and bring all the flavors together. Whether you’re hosting a huge family gathering or keeping it small, these easy Thanksgiving side dishes will make your dinner memorable. Plus, most of them can be prepped ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with your guests.
20 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipes
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must-have on any Thanksgiving table. They’re creamy, buttery, and pair perfectly with just about everything.
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Green Bean Casserole
This dish combines tender green beans with crispy fried onions and a creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup fried onions
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix green beans, mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese in a casserole dish.
Top with fried onions and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, sticky, and perfectly spiced, these candied sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange sweet potatoes in a baking dish and sprinkle with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. Stuffing with Sage and Sausage
This savory stuffing combines sausage, sage, and bread cubes for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
1 pound sausage, crumbled
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
1 tsp dried sage
4 cups bread cubes
2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
Cook sausage, onion, and celery in a skillet until sausage is browned.
Stir in sage, bread cubes, and chicken broth.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Cranberry Sauce
A tart and sweet cranberry sauce that’s perfect with turkey.
Ingredients:
12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Zest of one orange
Instructions:
Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Stir in orange zest and let cool.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This simple yet flavorful dish features crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
4 slices of bacon, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss Brussels sprouts with bacon, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
These carrots are coated in garlic and parmesan, making them a delicious side for any meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb baby carrots
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss carrots with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan.
Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
8. Buttery Cornbread Muffins
Soft and buttery, these cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up gravy.
Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup milk
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix all ingredients until combined.
Pour batter into a muffin tin and bake for 15-20 minutes.
9. Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tender, these honey-glazed carrots add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
1 lb carrots, sliced
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp butter
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Boil carrots until tender, then drain.
Toss with honey, butter, and salt before serving.
10. Creamed Spinach
Rich and creamy, this spinach dish is a delightful way to get some greens on the table.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
Cook spinach in a skillet until wilted.
Stir in cream, parmesan, and garlic until thickened.
11. Baked Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
Mix with cheese, milk, and butter, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
12. Roasted Butternut Squash
Sweet and savory, this roasted butternut squash is a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss squash with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
Roast for 30 minutes until tender.
13. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce—this dish is pure comfort food.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Layer potatoes, cheese, and cream in a baking dish.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
14. Maple Glazed Acorn Squash
This squash is roasted with a sweet maple glaze that highlights its natural flavors.
Ingredients:
1 acorn squash, sliced
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp butter
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush squash with maple syrup, butter, and salt.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
15. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These sautéed mushrooms are a quick and flavorful side dish that goes with everything.
Ingredients:
1 lb mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden brown.
Add garlic and salt, cooking for another 2 minutes.
16. Simple Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and perfect for mopping up all that gravy, these rolls are a must.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
Shape into rolls and bake for 15-20 minutes.
17. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This cheesy broccoli casserole is creamy, comforting, and sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients:
3 cups broccoli florets
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix broccoli, soup, and cheese in a casserole dish.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20-25 minutes.
18. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This warm, creamy dip is great as an appetizer or a side.
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach, chopped
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix all ingredients in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
19. Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss vegetables with balsamic, olive oil, and salt.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving side dishes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. These 20 easy recipes will help you create a feast that everyone will remember, without the stress. From classic mashed potatoes to unique twists like maple-glazed acorn squash, there's something here for everyone.
FAQs
Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these dishes can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving.
Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?
Most recipes can be made vegetarian by swapping meat-based ingredients for plant-based alternatives.
How can I make my side dishes healthier?
Opt for lower-fat ingredients and reduce the amount of sugar where possible.
Can I double the recipes for larger gatherings?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and adjust cooking times as needed.
What’s the best way to keep side dishes warm?
Use a warming tray, slow cooker, or keep dishes in the oven on low heat until ready to serve.
